GWM confirms return to Dakar
Chinese brand teases extreme off-road 4x4 that could help improve future modelsThe News
GWM has bold ambitions to return to the world’s toughest endurance racing category, with a ‘Super Off-Road’ machine teased to global media this week that could serve as a testbed to improve its off-roaders and develop more hardcore 4x4s for Oz.
The Key Details
- GWM chairman Jack Wei announces the brand’s return to Dakar
- Chinese brand headed to Dakar in 2027
- Based on a ‘Super Off-Road’ machine that won’t be sold to the public
- But could spawn more hardcore off-road 4x4s for Australia
The Finer Details
Chinese car giant GWM will return to Dakar in 2027 after more than a decade away from the gruelling off-road race. And it’s set to come prepared, with a ‘Super Off-Road’ machine that could pave the way for even more hardcore off-road 4x4 utes and SUVs.
“Events like Dakar are the ultimate challenge of endurance – a top-level challenge,” said GWM’s chairman Jack Wei.
“A man going to Dakar in my mind, is the image of a hero. That’s why I’ve got this urge.
“For our current racing machines, if we’re talking about the T1 category, we are fully capable of domestic production. Now GWM has the V8 power, the V6 power and hybrid technology.
“We have officially joined the FIA and GWM is back to Dakar.”
GWM hasn’t been to Dakar since it last competed under the Haval sub-brand back in 2014, but Wei says previous attempts to return were withdrawn due to “low domestic visibility in China”.
It’s now being seen as an important marketing exercise.
“Motorsport is seen as a key tool for brand building and global exposure,” Wei told Australian media via a translator.
“GWM is interested in participating in events such as Dakar and potentially other global racing categories, including in Australia.”
“We have participated in long-distance rally events in China, covering around 8,000 km in desert conditions with production vehicles.
“We have now joined FIA T2 categories and plan to enter Dakar in the future.”
The Road Ahead
The brand’s motorsport ambitions will extend to GT3 racing in the coming years, using its inbound mid-engine V8 Ferrari-rivalling supercar as a base.
Meanwhile, its Dakar learnings are all but certain to help develop its range of 4x4 vehicles in Australia.
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